aphoristic

American  

[af-uh-ris-tik] / ˌæf əˈrɪs tɪk /

adjective

1. of, like, or containing aphorisms.

   His sermons were richly aphoristic.

2. given to making or quoting aphorisms.

---

aphoristic British  

/ ˌæfəˈrɪstɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling an aphorism

2. tending to write or speak in aphorisms

---

Other Word Forms

• aphoristically adverb
• nonaphoristic adjective
• nonaphoristically adverb

Etymology

Origin of aphoristic

From the Greek word aphoristikós, dating back to 1745–55. See aphorist, -ic

Example Sentences

Kate Riley follows Ruth from childhood to middle age, writing with kindness, hilarity and aphoristic brilliance about this eccentric woman, a lost lamb who never actually leaves the safety of the flock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025

That’s nothing new: For decades, Davis has specialized in aphoristic stories that thrive on wordplay, rhythm and irony while avoiding easy sarcasm or dad jokes.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2023

All became the grist for her dark satire, laced with wry, aphoristic asides on the human condition.

From New York Times • Jan. 4, 2023

Then she’d give me some sage, aphoristic advice.

From Washington Post • Sep. 30, 2021

It contains in an aphoristic form the main doctrines of the longer work.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various